Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-12-07

fifty sheep; and at present values TINS
addition would amount to about one
third of its price. If upon its sale the far
mer receives this or a less tariff profit, the
wool leaves his hands charged with pre-
cisely that sum, which in all its change
will adhere to it, until it reaches the con-
sumner, when manufactured into cloth and
other goods and material for use, its cost
is not only increased 10 the extent OF the
farmers tariff profit, but a further sum has
been added for the benefit OF the manuiGc-
turer under the operation Of other tariff
laws. In the meantime the day arrives
when the farmer finds it necessary to pur-
chase WOODEN goods and material to clothe
himself and family for the winter. When
he faces the tradesman for that purpose
he discovers that he is obliged not only to
return in the way of increased prices, his
tariff profit on the wool be sold, and which
then perhaps lies before him In manufac-
tured form, but that he must add con-
siderable sum thereto to
MEET A FURTHER INCREASE
in cost caused by a tariff duty on the
manufacture. Thus in tbs end he is arous-
ed to the fact that he mas paid upon q
moderate purchase, as a result OF the tariff
scheme, which, when he sold his wool
seemed so profitable, an increase IN price
more than sufficient TO sweep away all the
tariff profit he received upon the wool he
produced and sold.
When the number Of farmers engaged In
wool raising is compared with all the
farmers in the country, and the small pro-
portion they bear to our population IL con-
sidered when it is made apparent that, in
the case of large part Of those who own
sheep the benefit of the pre-
sent tariff on wool is illusOry (;
and, above all, when it must be
conceded that the increase Of the cost OF
living caused by sucn tariff, becomes O
burden upon those with moderate means
and the poor, the employed and unem-
plOyed, the sick and well, and the young
aud old, and that it constitutes tax
which, with relentless grasp, is fastened
upon the clothing of every man, woman
and child in the land, reasons are sug-
gested why the removal or reduction OF
this duty should be included in revision
Ot our tariff laws.
EFFECT OF TRUSTS.
In speaking of the increased cost TO the
consumer OF our home manufacturers, re-
sulting from duty laid upont imported
articles of the same description, the tact is
not overlooked that competition among
our domestic producers sometimes has the
effect OF keeping the price OF their pro-
ducts below the highest limit allowed by
such duty. But it is notorious that this
com petition is too often strangled by COM
biGatiOns quite prevalent at this time, and
frequently called trusts, which have for
Their object the regulation OF the supply
and price OF commodities made and sold
by members Of the combination. The
people can hardly hope for any consider
alton in the operation Of these seIish
schemes. Ii, however, in the absence OF
such combination, a healthy and free COM
petition
REDUCES THE PRICE
Of any particular dutiable article of home
production below the limit which it might
otherwise reach under our tariff laws, aud
II with such reduced price its manufacture
continue to thrive, IL Is entirely evident
that one thing has been discovered which
should be carefully SCIutInized in an effort
to reduce taxation. The necessity OF COM
binatioa 10 maintain the price OF any COM
modify to the tariff point, furnishes proof
that some one is willing 10 accept lower
prices for such commodity, and that such
prices are remunsrative; and lower prices
produced by competition prove the same
tnIny. Thus where either OF these cOndi-
tions exist, a case would seem 10 be pre-
scented Tor an easy reduction of taxation.
The considerations which have been pre-
scented touching our tariff laws are intend
ed only to enforce an earnest recommends
ton that the surplus revenues OF the Gov
eCnraent be prevented by the reduction OF
our customs duties, aud 1t the same time
to emphasize a suggestion That Ill accom-
plIshIng this purpose we may discharge q
double duty to our people by granting to
them a measure OF relief from tariff taxa.
| ten in quarters where it Is most needed
aud from sources where ii can be most
fairly and justly accorded.
FRIENDLY TO MANUFACTURERS.
Nor can the presentation made of such
| considerations be, with any degree of fair
ness, regarded as evidence OF untriendll
ness toward our manufacturing interests
or ct any lack OF appreciation OF their
value and importance.
These interests constitute leading and
most substantial element OF our national
greatness and furnish the proud proof Of
our couutFy's progress. But if in the
emergency that presses upon us our manu-
| faCturers are asked to surrender something
for the public good aud to avert disaster,
their patriotism. as well ~ grateful
recognition of advantages already afford
ed, should lead them
TO WILLING COOPERATION.
No demand is made that they shall foregO
all the benefits OF Governmental regard
but they can not fail to be admoniShed Ui
their duty, ~ we "a their enlightened
selt-inteyest aul safety, when they are re,
minded OF the fast that financial panic and
collapse. to which the present condition
tends, atljrd no greater shelter or prOteC.
ton Ia our manufacturers than TO our other
important enterprises. Opportunity for
safe, careful and deliberate reform is now
offered and none Oi us should be unmindful
OF time wheu an abused aud irritated
psople, needless of those who have resisted
timely and reasonable relief, may Insist
upon q radical and sweeping rectilication
OF their wroDgS.
The difficulty attending wise and fair
revisiou OF our tariff laws IS not undcresti-
mated. 1t will require on the part OF
Congress great labor and care, and espeC-
tally broad aud national cOnte nplatioa
eli tEe subject, aud a patriotic disregard Of
such local aud selfish claims al are urea
s,uable and reckless Of the welfare OF the
entire country. Under our present laws
more thar four thousand articles are sub
iect 10 duty. Many of these do not in any
way compete with our own manufactures,
and many are hardly worth attention as
subjects of revenue A considerable re-
ductioa can re made in the aggregate by
adding them to the free list. The taxation
of Injuries presents no features o. hard
ship, hut the neceSsaries OF life used and
consumed by all the people, the duty upon
which adds to the cost Of living in every
home, should be greatly cheapened.
on RAW MATERIALS.
The radical reduction % the duties i'm
posed upon raw material used in manu-
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